Membership Handbook 2017

Here is the most current edition of the Handbook. This is one of the most frequently changed elements of our club and therefore, as each meeting passes, information on here may be a few days behind. For a PDF file, please email president.demvets@gmail.com

Welcome to the Veterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County!That’s a mouthful isn’t it? We save the full name of the organization for the places where it is needed, but amongst local Democratic circles and ourselves, we just say “DemVets” for short.

Maybe you joined as a Veteran. Maybe you joined as someone who is related to a Veteran. Maybe you joined as a concerned, local Democrat who wants to see our mission of furthering the advancement of local Veterans fulfilled. Regardless of why you joined, I am so glad you did!

‘They served us and we now serve them.’ It is our hope that this will be your mindset, as you become an active part of the membership, perhaps one day fulfilling one of our many officer positions, both elected and appointed. We are a leadership development organization and will always be ready to challenge you to do better and better, taking on more and more responsibility.

This handbook will serve as a guide to the many different aspects of the club; will establish some rules and guidelines for you to follow; and will be your best resource for becoming an active member in the DemVets.

Please feel free to contact the Chairman of the Membership Committee should you have any questions that this handbook does not have an answer for, or if you need anything in this handbook clarified.

Thank you again for joining us and we look forward to your participation!

Cres VellucciPresidentVeterans Democratic Club of Sacramento County

WHO WE AREThe DemVets are the political strong arm of the Sacramento area Veterans organizations. Together with organizations of the same kind within the structure of the other political parties, we work to ensure that the previously unmet needs of Veterans in the political spectrum are now met.

We constantly strive to ensure that we meet this goal. The ways we do it vary. From issues advocacy to candidate vetting, lobbying to grassroots organizing, and public awareness to elected office holder accountability; the DemVets are working hard to ensure that the issues of today and yesterday’s veterans are never far from the minds of those who are elected to serve the Sacramento Area.

We are affiliated with the Democratic Party of Sacramento County, through chartering as one of the clubs within its structure; we work closely with the California Democratic Party’s Veterans Caucus; we are a member of the Sacramento County Veterans Alliance; and we work as closely as possible with the local post and detachments of all the different veterans groups and organizations.

As we continue to develop this organization into a strong voice in our community, we always remember that we are able to exist because of those who never had the chance to join an organization like this. They made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and we shall carry forward in their honor. In each branch of the service, the troops learn their branch's core values and are trained in how they should guide their actions. Our Core Values are just as important to us as theirs are to them and we use them to guide us in our choices as a club.

We are a unique Veterans organization because of two things:1) We do not require our members to be Veterans or family of Veterans. Anyone who desires to assist with our mission is encouraged to join. The only Veteran requirement in existence with this organization is this: Our President and Vice Presidents must be Veterans in good standing whenever possible.

2) We are specifically partisan in nature, giving a voice to the Veterans in the Democratic Party that they have not had before. In doing so, we are allowing the process to exist through which candidates for office will now be held accountable to the Veterans issues they often can afford to pay less attention to during campaigns due to the mainstream Veterans organizations being non-partisan in nature.

WHAT WE DOIssue AdvocacyWe provide strong support to veterans’ issues facing our community, state and nation. We do this through increasing public awareness of these different issues, ensuring that local elected officials are aware of them, ensuring that candidates for office are aware of them, and actions that directly support the solution we are supporting for the issue. Another way to support the issues we advocate is through our resolution process.

LobbyingBy utilizing the means available to us, we provide lobbying for and against different issues we are advocating and other bills/measures that have been put before the public or their legislators for movement. We do this through the physical presence of our members to the specific office holders or bodies that are either considering the issue or measure, or potential for authoring such a measure.

Candidate VettingThrough an endorsement process that reveals the different views of those participating in relationship to our issues, we screen candidates for office to ensure that they are properly educated on our issues (Veterans Issues) and given the chance to demonstrate how they might support these issues with their own actions. Once endorsed, a candidate is provided many services through one of our committees that organize our efforts as a club to assist the endorsed candidate with election to their desired position.

Public Awareness & EducationIn an effort to provide more support for the solutions to the issues we have identified, a sustained effort by the club to educate the public on these things is constant. We strive to allow more to rally to a cause and/or solution through our relationship with the public of the Sacramento Community and the elected officials of the same.

Veterans Affairs SupportLike any Veterans organization, we also support the advancement of the different programs of the Veterans Affairs departments at the national, state and local levels. We continue to strive for better benefits that actually help our veterans.

OUR HISTORYLate December of 2011, there was a conversation in the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC) office. Present for this conversation were Kerri Asbury (Chairwoman of the Central Committee '11-'12), Andres Ramos (Parliamentarian of the Central Committee) and Lawson C. Stuart (Founding President of DemVets). The conversation was centered around the different clubs of the DPSC and where needs were possibly going unmet. It came to Lawson's attention that there was not a club that was specific to Veterans.

Lawson and Andres immediately turned the conversation into the different things that would be needed for the formation of any new club in the DPSC, the writing of bylaws, etc. Lawson set to work on the bylaws and announced his intentions to form the club to the Executive Board of the DPSC at their January meeting. The Executive Board unanimously approved, tentative to the meeting of the DPSC requirements, approval to form the new club at the next Central Committee meeting the next week.

Once bylaws were finished, Lawson set to work to organize enough people to meet the minimum requirements of formation of a new club. The inaugural meeting of the club took place at the DPSC office on January 10, 2012. There, 7 people signed up to be members, paid their dues and approved the Constitution and Bylaws by signing them. Thus, the chartering members of the DemVets was established. This was followed through with two days later at the meeting of the Central Committee of the DPSC, where the DemVets, after signing up a few more members, were officially charted through the DPSC as the Democratic Veterans Club of Sacramento County. Although not officially chartered until the Central Committee meeting, the signing of the Constitution and Bylaws is considered the official formation of the club, therefore making the DemVets birthday January 10, 2012.

Lawson Stuart went on to become the Chair of the Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party in April of 2013. He resigned the Presidency of the club during the middle point of his second term, effective June 30, 2013.

Dana Ferry, a Navy Veteran, was elected to succeed Lawson as President of the Club. She chose not to run for election to a full term and instead took an appointment to the Political Committee of the Veterans Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

Cres Vellucci, the founding Treasurer of the Club who went on to serve as Vice President, ran for and was elected the third President of the Club for the 2014 term.

OUR MISSION, CORE VALUES & VISIONThrough the adoption of the Constitution and Bylaws, the mission of the DemVets was formed. The mission officially is: “It shall be the mission of the VDCSC to work within the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC), providing a strong voice and representation within the party structure, promoting the welfare of Veterans through effective legislation and encouraging Veterans to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policy making and public service. Strong support of candidates who are equally supportive of the rights and care of Veterans shall be available, as shall strong opposition to candidates who fail to support the Veterans causes.”

With the adoption of their bylaws, the DemVets chose the following Values:• “Leadership- In compliment to the overall mission of the VDCSC, an element of leadership development shall have a presence in all that is done by the organization.• Honor- The honor developed within the careers of those who have and are serving, shall not be forgotten by those who participate with this organization. Honor shall always have its place in our actions and activities.• Service- The organization will maintain the same level of service to the country demonstrated by those who served in the Armed Forces. Service to those who have served will result in service to the communities of the county and abroad.”

Also through the bylaws, the vision of the DemVets was set:“The DemVets shall strive to become a community leader within Sacramento County. It shall strive to better serve the needs of veterans in the county and California by providing a steadfast, staunch voice to the veterans’ needs and of their desires for action from their elected officials and local municipalities; with attention specifically directed to these issues as they present within the Democratic Party.”

OUR 2014 VISIONNow into its third year as a club and facing many elections coming up, the Club faces the need for a little re-grounding and affirmation of our place within the community. We will work harder to further our efforts for Veterans in the entire Sacramento County and will perform several efforts on behalf of candidates who will be the most supportive to our issues.

OUR PLATFORMWe adopt a platform during election years. This platform serves to guide the actions of the club and clarify our position on issues for the two years the organization operates, while allowing the platform to come up for review just prior to each election cycle so it maintains current affairs.

RELATIONSHIP TO DPSCThe DemVets are a chartered club of the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (DPSC) and are required to meet certain rules established by their bylaws for the clubs within their organization. Additionally, the DemVets will support the DPSC where possible, to include the donation of additional funds when within the means of possibility for the club to do so.

RELATIONSHIP TO CDP & THE VETERANS CAUCUSThe DemVets are affiliated by association with the California Democratic Party through their working relationship with the Veterans Caucus. Due to the proximity of the club to the State Capital, other clubs of similar nature throughout the state may call on us through the CDP Vet-Caucus to lobby on their behalf for issues they have taken sides on.

MEMBERSHIP & BENEFITSMembership in the organization is open to any person who supports the mission of the DemVets; and, if eligible to vote, is a registered Democrat. If not eligible for registration, the intent to register as a Democrat is required.

Membership is divided into three categories:

1. Veteran:This level of membership is open to veterans of the United States Armed Forces, which shall be broadly construed to include: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Filipino Veterans who served with our allies during the Battan Death March and resistance in World War II, Native Americans who provided the communications code for our allies during World War II. This shall include all current members of the Armed Forces who have served at least 30 days of duty beyond their initial training and shall either continued forward with their service or have been discharged under any circumstances. This shall be proven by the submission of a DD214 or other

2. Non-Veteran:This level of membership is open to all persons not meeting the definition of a Veteran outlined above who are at least 15 years of age and meet the requirements of Article 2, Section I, 1.

3. Sponsor Membership-This level of membership is open to businesses and organizations that wish to sponsor the DemVets.

A standing committee, called the Membership Committee, was formed to screen all applications of membership for all levels. Applications approved by this committee are considered valid retroactive to the date the application was received.

All members are permitted to vote in the manner prescribed for the vote. This means you may vote as long as you meet the Good Standing Clause. Sponsor members are not permitted a vote. No member has the right to vote unless they are found to be in good standing at the exact time and place they wish to do so. Good standing shall be defined as being current on membership dues.

Members are charged dues annually, unless the Membership Committee has approved a request for hardship. Hardship is not approved for the Sponsor Level. The Annual Dues for each level of membership are due to the Treasurer no later than January 1 of each year. The Dues amount is set annually, by a motion from the Treasurer, which must then be seconded and approved by a simple majority vote.

Those wishing to renew under hardship need only follow the simple instructions to join/renew and pay what they can from $1-$20. While it is requested that remaining balances be paid by the members as soon as they can, no formal approval is required. We refer to this as the Honor System and simply trust people to do the right thing rather than suffer the embarrassment of placing themselves at the mercy of a committee or person for approval of their hardship.

In 2013, the membership dues shall be set at $20 per person for the year. Sponsorships shall be $100 per organization for the year.

Any member who does not renew membership before the expiration of the membership period will no longer be considered to meet the Good Standing Clause. Membership is always due in full, regardless of what time of year the Member joins. The Membership Renewal Period is from December 1st- 31st of each year.

Membership in the DemVets is a privilege. This privilege can be revoked for conduct that is deemed harmful to the organization.

Any member may voluntarily resign their membership at any time. Members who resign are eligible for return to the DemVets at any time by paying their dues and updating their information.

Any member can request that another member be reviewed for potential disciplinary action, up to the termination of their membership. Such a request must be submitted in writing to the Membership Committee Chairman. Action is carried out from this point according to our bylaws.

Members benefit from their membership through the ability to take direct actions on the behalf of Veterans through the club’s processes. These benefits of membership include:

a. Make recommendations, in writing, on all aspects of the organization’s activities.b. Elect officers during the Annual Election of Officers.c. Run for and be elected to office during the Annual Election of Officers.d. Be appointed as officers by the President.e. Move to remove officers in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.f. Nominate themselves or other members for positions on standing and special committees.g. Participate in activities of the organization open to all members.h. Recommend candidates and ballot measures to the Endorsement Committee for consideration for invitation to participate in the organizations endorsement process.i. Vote during endorsement meetings on candidates and ballot measures.j. Ratify positions on issues consistent with the Mission Statement, Vision and Core Values of DemVets through approval of resolutions.k. Propose amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws in accordance with the process outlined in the same.l. Propose resolutions, amendments to current resolutions or the repeal of current resolutions of the organization.m. Challenge the vote or ballot of a member they suspect to be ineligible to participate in a specific vote or election.n. Nominate any person meeting criteria outlined for the receipt of awards of this organization at the Annual Holiday Awards Mess.

ANNUAL SCHEDULE

Throughout the year, many different opportunities will present themselves to the club and the calendar will take shape accordingly. However, some of the events of the DemVets will be standard and take place every year (or every other year) as prescribed.

Here is the set calendar of activities for the year:January-

· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The New Term for Officers Begins on the 1st· The President Appoints the Year’s Chairmen for the Standing Committees· The Executive Committee Meets· The Year’s Handbook is Approved· Early Primary Endorsements are Made (Election Years)

February-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The President Delivers the Annual State of the Club Address· The Platform is Adopted (Election Years)· The Committee Board Meets

March-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· Strategic Plan for the Year is Approved· Annual Budget is Approved· General Primary Endorsements are Made (Election Years)

May-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The Committee Board Meets· Armed Forces Week is Celebrated the Week of the 18th· Armed Forces Day is Celebrated on the 18th· Memorial Day is Observed

June-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The US Army Birthday is Celebrated on the 14th· Flag Day is Celebrated on the 14th

July-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· Early General Election Endorsements are Made (Election Years)· Independence Day is Celebrated on the 4th

August-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The Committee Board Meets· General Election Endorsements are Made (Election Years)· The Coast Guard Birthday is Celebrated on the 4th

September-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· California Day is Celebrated on the 9th· Constitution Day is Celebrated on the 17th· The Air Force Birthday is Celebrated on the 18th

November-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The Committee Board Meets· The Annual Election of Officers Takes Place· The Marine Corps Birthday is Celebrated on the 10th· Veterans Day is Celebrated on the 11th

December-· The Regular Monthly Meeting Takes Place· The Executive Committee Meets· The Annual Officer Retreat is Held· The Holiday Awards Mess is Held

AWARDS

The following awards are given out, according to the criteria listed for each, during the Holiday Awards Mess. These awards are decided prior to the November meeting by the criteria and methods listed for each specific award. Other awards are given only when a situation merits doing so.

The President’s AwardGiven By- The President of the DemVetsGiven For- A single great action or the combination of several small actions that overall contributed directly to the success of the club during the year and provided opportunity(ies) to further the mission of the DemVets positively.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

The Member’s AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Consistent, proven service to the club through single great action or the combination of several small actions that overall contributed directly to the success of the club during the year and provided opportunity(ies) to further the mission of the DemVets positively.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

Officer of the Year AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Outstanding service as an elected or appointed officer of the club during the course of the year.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

Member of the Year AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Outstanding service as a member of the club during the course of the year.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

Veteran of the Year AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Outstanding exemplification of the American Veteran through actions of advocacy and positive benefit to the furthering of the Veterans Causes.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

The John F. Kennedy AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Outstanding service to Veterans through the execution of duties carried out as an elected or appointed political office holder.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

The Harry Truman AwardGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Single great action or a combination of several actions on the part of an organization that furthered the Veterans causes and club mission during the year.Award- Small Plate on Larger Plaque and CertificateFrequency- Annual

Medal of ValorGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Acts of Heroism carried out by members of the DemVets who, during the course of the year, were met with extreme circumstances requiring immediate action of valor on their part and fulfilled such valor admirably through actions above and beyond their call of duty.Award- Medal and CertificateFrequency- Per Diem

Medal of MeritGiven By- Majority Vote of the MembershipGiven For- Single acts of outstanding contribution to the cause of Veterans by members of the DemVets who, during the course of the year, were met with specific opportunities to single-handedly make large contributions to the Veterans causes.Award- Medal and CertificateFrequency- Per Diem

RESOLUTIONSOne of the most important privileges of membership to our members is that of being able to author, introduce, influence, debate and pass resolutions on matters of importance to the club revolving around the current political and veteran related matters of the Sacramento area.

Resolutions will follow the pathway outlined for such in the bylaws. Once passed, a resolution shall remain an official position of the club until the adoption of a new platform, at which time they shall either be placed into the platform as an element of it, or they shall cease to exist.

Resolutions should be related directly to issues that would have direct or indirect effect on the mission of the club or the furthering of Veterans Affairs in the area. Members should take care to adopt resolutions that make profound statements to guide the club on the matters addressed by the resolution towards action on that issue or issues.

Resolutions are the functional legislation of the organization and shall be the basis for the formation of the next platform, in addition to previous platform issues that are approved to carry forward a part of the new platform.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPer the bylaws, the Executive Committee (EC) is comprised of the elected officers of the club. This includes the President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recorder, Sergeant at Arms, Legal Officer and Alternate Central Committee Liaison. Additionally, the Chairs of each of the standing committees are considered members of the EC. Each member of the EC is given a vote during EC Meetings.

The EC serves as the overall planning committee for the entire club, and is tasked with ensuring that the agenda of the club is carried out during meetings, activities, adoption of resolutions, etc.

The EC does not have the power to take positions on any issue or make policy for the club absent a majority vote approval of position/policy.

The EC meets every quarter at minimum, and can meet more often at the direction of the President. The EC may decide the agenda for the regular meetings, make appropriate recommendations to the body of membership, and serve as a representative of the club in absence of the entire body.

STANDING COMMITTEESThe standing committees each exist to serve a specific purpose, as outlined for them in the bylaws. The committees and their bylaws defined purposes are:

The Membership CommitteeThis committee is tasked with the handling of all of the new membership applications, member specific issues, the planning and execution of all activities of the VDCSC, maintaining morale through social activities, and other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.

The Fundraising CommitteeThis committee is tasked with the planning of events for fundraising purposes, and management of the fundraising plan. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.

The Campaign Services CommitteeThis committee will handle the endorsement process, questionnaire formation and all other aspects of screening candidates and issues for endorsement consideration by the Membership. Additionally, it will handle the different services made available to candidates who have been endorsed by the VDCSC, and the coordination of DemVets volunteer efforts for the campaigns of each candidate endorsed. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.

The Communications CommitteeThis committee handles all of the internal and external communications for the club. They are tasked with the different social media, media, newsletters, weekly updates, online content, notices, etc of the club. They are also in charge of helping shape the message of the club. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee. It is chaired by the 2nd Vice President.

The Legislation CommitteeThis committee is tasked with monitoring of all current legislation going before the different bodies of government in Sacramento County and providing a summary and recommendation of support or opposition to the membership. Additionally, they will handle the collection of legislation ideas for the different bodies of government for the county and will see to it that the ideas are written out clearly and suggested to the proper body of government upon their approval by the membership. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee. The Legal Officer chairs this committee.

The Advocacy CommitteeThis committee is tasked with the monitoring of the elected officials of the county for any actions that are pro or anti veteran and lobbies them accordingly. It also works with the Legislation Committee to ensure that a position of support or opposition for different, local legislations is lobbied. Additionally, it handles any instance of advocacy for Veterans Issues available. It will also handle all other tasks as assigned in the Constitution and Bylaws, or by the Executive Committee.

OTHER COMMITTEESDuring the course of the year, other committees shall come and go as needed or prescribed by the bylaws.

Special Committees for Review fulfill a bylaws outlined judiciary role in the club, allowing a fair process for actions that may need to occur during the course of the club’s existence.

Ad Hoc committees are formed to handle specific problems or purposes and are usually disbanded upon satisfactory completion of their solution/tasks.

THE COMMITTEE BOARDPer the bylaws, the Committee Board (CB) is comprised of the appointed chairs of each standing committee, ad hoc committee and the President. Each member of the CB is given a vote during CB Meetings.

The CB serves to ensure that function of each specific committee is continued and that issues involving more than one committee are capable of being carried out in timely and efficient mannerisms.

The CB does not have the power to take positions on any issue or make policy for the club absent a majority vote approval of position/policy.

The CB meets every quarter at minimum, and can meet more often at the direction of the President. The CB may decide the agenda for committee meetings, make appropriate recommendations to the EB or body of membership, and serve as counselor to the President on the different issues each committee is handling.

OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIESPresidentElected to a one-year term, the President serves in several capacities and is the highest-ranking officer in the organization. Balancing this out is also the limits on the person serving in this position.

The President is not permitted to vote on motions before the floor, excepting cases where doing so would break an exact tie. However, should the matter being voted on be related to the endorsement of a candidate for office, the President shall refrain from voting at all in this process. This is done to ensure that partiality is completely avoided.

As presiding officer for meetings of the EC, CB or entire body of members, the President shall strive to maintain a fair environment, involving all who wish to participate as often as possible and maintain previously agreed schedules and agendas. Additionally, and above all, the President ensures that both the will of the membership and the mission of the club are being carried out simultaneously.

The President shall be granted the following:· Serving as Chair of the Executive Committee· Presiding over the membership, EC and CB meetings· Influence of the general, overall direction of the DemVets in accordance with the bylaws· Appointment of Committee Chairs· Appointment of Interim Officers in cases of vacancy· Service as the main DemVets Representative· Service as the DPSC Central Committee Liaison· Signing power on behalf of the VDCSC as its representative to banks, merchants, etc· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the membership for approval· The Implementation of Executive Directives· Direction of the Sergeant at Arms to maintain order in meetings

Additionally, as situations not outlined herein or otherwise, the President shall be given the ability to make the appropriate call via Executive Decisions to handle said situations as they arise. Such Executive Decisions are then subject to the process of approval outlined in the bylaws.

1st Vice PresidentFor all intents and purposes, the primary job of the 1st Vice President is to serve closely with the President to fulfill many of the same duties. This shall be done in such a manner as to ensure that the 1st Vice President is constantly ready to assume the President role, temporarily or permanently, upon need.

Additionally, the 1st Vice President is responsible for the advocacy of the club on behalf of Veterans. It is the 1st Vice President who tracks the actions of those elected to office and the legislation they put forward and reports to the club on how the actions/legislation effects Veterans.

Additionally, the 1st Vice President is a close counselor to the President and assists him/her in the leading of the club.

The 1st Vice President shall be granted the following:· Functioning as the acting President whenever the President is not present· Presiding over the membership meetings in the absence of the President· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the membership for approval· Following the order of succession outlined in the bylaws in cases where it becomes necessary.· Presiding over meetings at the request of the President when the President wishes to separate himself/herself from the presiding officer position due to taking a partial position on an issue before the membership.

2nd Vice PresidentThe 2nd Vice President serves to promote the club through all of its communications. They oversee the communications committee as its Chair, handle media, social media, inter-club messaging and external affairs of the club and its message.

Specifically, they are tasked with oversight of the Facebook Page, Website, Newsletter, Weekly Updates, Press Releases, Media Advisories, and all other forms of written communication not handled by the President or 1st Vice President on behalf of the club. When the President is not available, they are the permitted representative of the club to the media and other external outlets.

The 2nd Vice President shall be granted the following:· Functioning as the acting President whenever the President and 1st Vice President are not present· Presiding over the membership meetings in the absence of the President and 1st Vice President· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the membership for approval· Following the order of succession outlined in the bylaws in cases where it becomes necessary.· When the 1st Vice President is absent, Presiding over meetings at the request of the President when the President wishes to separate himself/herself from the presiding officer position due to taking a partial position on an issue before the membership.

TreasurerThe Treasurer serves the DemVets in the capacity of accountant, fundraiser and other financial related issues. The Treasurer ensures that all aspects of the club’s finances are kept up to date and within appropriate guidelines and regulations.

The Treasurer shall be granted the following:· Signing power on behalf of the DemVets as its representative to banks, merchants, etc.· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the membership for approval· Oversight of the Annual Budget and Expense Plan· Tracking of the Income and Expenditures of the DemVets

RecorderThe Recorder serves to ensure that the minutes of the meeting are kept and properly distributed to the membership prior to meetings for approval.

Recorder shall be granted the following:· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the Membership for approval· Recording of all of the meeting minutes during membership meetings and Special Meetings

Sergeant at ArmsThe Sergeant at Arms, although primarily a ceremonial position, is fulfilled in order to ensure that security is maintained during the meetings. Additionally, the Sergeant at Arms ensures that votes are properly counted and persons who should not be voting due to reasons of membership lapses or attempt to vote without being members are not counted for either side voted upon.

The Sergeant at Arms shall be granted the following:· Maintaining Expertise on Parliamentary Procedure and advising the President or Presiding Officer on matters of procedure· Enforcement of the President’s directions when conducting meetings, up to the removal of members from the meeting at the President’s Direction

Legal OfficerThe Legal Officer is tasked with the responsibility of advising the President on any matter of legality concerning the club and actions it wishes to take. Additionally, the Legal officer will preside over the Special Committee for Review whenever one is convened as the judge.

The Legal officer shall be granted the following:· Serving as Chairman of the Special Committees for Review· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the membership for approval

Alternate Central Committee LiaisonThe Alternate Central Committee Liaison is tasked with fulfilling the role of Alternate, as defined by the DPSC’s bylaws. In the absence of the President, he/she can fulfill the full privileges of the President as a Central Committee Member.

Committee ChairmanWhen appointed to the Chairmanship of their specific committee, the Chairman is permitted to do that which is necessary to lead the committee in their prescribed function.

The Committee Chairman shall be granted the following:· Serving as Chairman of their assigned committee· Presiding over their Committee’s Meetings· Voting in the case of breaking an otherwise tied vote during their Committee’s Meetings· Influence of the general, overall direction of the Committee in accordance with the bylaws; and with the assignment of said committee· Appointment of Committee Officers· Appointment of Interim Officers in cases of vacancy· Influence of Resolutions for consideration by the Membership for approval

MEETING GUIDELINESOur meetings follow some very simple, easy to remember rules. We stick to the same agenda each time and, while the content of the meetings will change, the format will not unless it is a special occasion.

There are two types of meetings: Regular Stated and Special. The Regular Stated Meeting is the regular meeting held on a set schedule. Current meeting schedules are available on the website. Special meetings are ones called for a specific reason or to make up for a Regular States Meeting that was cancelled.

Prior to the meetings, an Agenda will be published outlining the items to be considered by the club during the next meeting. A copy of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting is also published. Additionally, any documents needed to assist the members during the different agenda items are also published.

If a Member would like an item added to the agenda, he/she may request this by sending an email to the Recorder, outlining what you would like added to the Agenda and where.

Meetings follow the outline below:

Social TimeWhenever possible, a time for everyone to socialize with each other and enjoy fellowship as club will precede the meetings for at least a half hour. There are exceptions to this, however they will be rare. Some meetings will actually be social events and will not have a format or agenda. Others will be a mixture of both.

OpeningThe opening begins when the President of presiding officer calls the meeting to order. This is normally done by banging the gavel once and saying something to the effect of “The meeting shall come to order”.

Here at the DemVets, we take a moment to recognize those who cannot be with us due to their past or current sacrifices in service to our country. This is sometimes done in a ceremony we call “The Ceremony of the Chairs”.

Here is the text read aloud during this ceremony:

“As we gather here tonight, we first pause to acknowledge those who cannot be with us tonight that we may remember why we are here and who we serve.

If you look to your left, you will notice four chairs, draped in white coverings. These chairs are present for all of our meetings, and they serve to remind us of those who have gone before us, both past and present. It is their sacrifices that have given us this freedom to assemble peacefully.

The first chair is the classic, yet important staple of all gatherings of Veterans and Service-Members, the POW/MIA Chair. This chair reminds us first of those who have protected our freedom by losing theirs, without even the escape of death to spare them the suffering at the hands of the enemy. Second, it reminds us of those who sacrificed everything they had, surrendering even their final outcome and resting place to the cause of freedom, exemplifying how important over self, service to this country is.

The second chair reminds us of those who have sacrificed their lives to keep us free. First seen in the Second World War, these banners were displayed by proud families of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. The more stars, the more that family sacrificed to the cause of liberty. We display it that their sacrifices shall not have been made in vain.

The third chair reminds us of those who have sacrificed their ability to live a daily life as they did before, thus sacrificing their own freedoms that others may continue to have theirs uninterrupted. The silver star banner, proudly created during our latest conflicts, now flies in the windows of families who have these honored wounded as their loved ones. We display it that they will know we have not forgotten them and will now fight for them, as they did for us.

The fourth chair reminds us of those not with us due to their continued service to this nation. Since World War II, these blue stars have graced home windows, cars and even workplace windows to remind those who see them that one of our own is away protecting us at this very moment. We display it that we may be reminded that our mission of serving our beloved Veterans will be ongoing; for as long as we wish to remain free, our brave women and men in uniform will be standing guard, ready to defend us.”

Once this ceremony is concluded, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited. Everyone remains standing.

Roll CallThe Recorder calls the roll, based on the most current edition of the roster. When you hear your name, you say “Here” in manner so the Recorder can hear you. Once they have called your name, be seated. Anyone who is still standing after Roll Call will introduce him or herself and be seated after doing so.

Depending on the number of people present, the Recorder will report to the President or Presiding Officer if a quorum is present. This is another way of saying that we are making sure there are enough members present to allow a fair voting process. Should there not be enough people present to vote on issues, also known as the absence of a quorum, the meeting may have any voting matters postponed until the next meeting.

Previous MinutesThe previous meeting minutes, which are a record of the different things that happened the meeting before, are read out loud by the Recorder to the membership present. This can be interrupted anytime by someone who has read the minutes prior to the meeting and believes they are true and correct. This is done by interrupting the reading and saying something to the effect of “I move that the minutes be approved as written.” This motion requires a second (A person who says, “I Second the motion” therefore giving it backing). The President or Presiding Officer then calls for any objections. If there are none the minutes are approved by a simple majority vote.

If parts of the minutes are missing or incorrect, the person who seeks to have them corrected may interrupt this process at any time to propose a correction. The corrections are made and the minutes stand for approval as corrected.

CorrespondenceAt this point in the meeting, any correspondence, incoming or outgoing, that needs to be handled by the membership is addressed. This is when we approve payment of our bills; handle letters, etc.

ReportsDuring this time, each committee presents a report to the membership of their activities during the time between the current meeting and last. In doing so, the membership is kept in the loop on what is getting done and the committees make themselves accountable to the membership.

BusinessThis is when the club does two things, in this order:

Old Business- Any item that needed to be postponed until the next meeting for whatever reason is brought back up at this time. These things are usually placed on the agenda.

New Business- These are the things that club is working on that are being introduced to the membership for the first time. Also, this is when members who wish to have the club take on a certain project or program would bring up any manner of new business. Anything may be brought up once the floor is open for new business. Do not worry, if your idea needs to be re-directed to a certain part of the club in order to be handled, the President or residing officer will do so.

Special ProgramsThis part of the meeting is when things that do not occur every meeting will take place. This is when Guest Speakers speak to us, Endorsement Hearings take place, etc.

CeremoniesThis is when any kind of ceremony to be handled will occur. Normally, a ceremony will not occur during meetings with a special program and vice versa. Sometimes both may happen, but this will be rare.

AnnouncementsThis is when any kind of announcement the members want to make may occur. Normally, these things are directly related to the club or Veterans, but any and all announcements are encouraged.

Motion to AdjournBelieve it or not, but to end the meeting, there must be a motion to adjourn! Yep, until the membership approves it, there is no leaving! Just kidding. But this does give everyone the chance to end the meeting as a membership body. It takes a motion, second and passing by simple majority vote to end the meeting.

FUNDRAISING GUIDEFundraising is key to supplying our club. The more money we raise, the more we can accomplish and the more we are able to push our mission and issues forward. We raise money in many different ways and there are many more ways coming up in the future.

Programs-The Sports Programs (Future): This will be a collection of different teams within the Democratic Party of Sacramento County that compete at both recreational and competitive levels in different sports.

-The Veterans Assistance Program (Future): This will be a program that provides immediate assistance to Veterans in need and their families. It will be handled by the Finance Committee and will provide monetary assistance in small amounts to Veterans in situations where assistance is needed.

SponsorshipsThe club will be maintaining a Sponsorship Program, which will allow for clubs to contribute to the club and be maintained in a directory of military friendly businesses and proudly display evidence of their support in their different venues. Additionally, these participating businesses will be given the chance to have their websites featured in some manner on ours and ads on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group Page.

Personal EffortsEach member should do their best to help raise funds for the club. With membership comes the responsibility to help the club succeed in its mission. This means many things, but the point here is to emphasize that members are a part of the fundraising process and should solicit sponsorships from businesses that they think would participate, ask people they feel would be supportive of our mission for one-time and monthly donations, and work to help the fundraising events to succeed. Direct support from members is appreciated and your dues handle this as well. But we would like to gain more from your participation in the club than from your dollars.

Membership DuesEvery year, in January, renewing members will pay for their membership in the club by remitting their annual dues to the Treasurer and maintaining their good standing with the club as full-functional members.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDEEveryone in the club will, at some point, be a representative to the public of the club and what it does. Whether this is through the presentation of what you do to your friends or through a public event where you speak to media as one of our members, you need to be prepared.

The following are situations and requests for what we would like our members to do in them. Use your best judgment to ensure that your actions and words represent the club as best as possible. And when in doubt, saying nothing can be more beneficial than guessing.

Before we go into the different situations, first know that a strong base of knowledge of what this club does and how we do it is always going to be most helpful in presenting us in the best light. Please take the time to get to know our club, its different aspects and who should be doing what in order to ensure you are presenting the club as accurately as possible.

Public EducationWhen educating a person or group on the club, please ensure that you are doing so accurately and are also taking the time to try to get them involved in some way along the course of your discussion. Make sure to know what is required in order to be a member and recruit accordingly. Also ensure that you defer questions that you do not know the answer to, either to another member, officer or the website.

Social MediaAs a member, you will be given the opportunity to provide posted responses for the Facebook Page postings that administrators (officers of the club) post. We require that anyone doing so maintains a positive atmosphere of discussion, regardless of how much one might disagree with another. Additionally, you are to please refrain from positing anything offensive, against the club’s views (as a whole), or that promote your personal political candidacy without endorsement from the club.

Anyone may send something to the 2nd Vice President and request that he/she post it to the club page. This can include personal and political events, etc. Advertisements for business deals from your own business offered to the members of the club are also acceptable as long as they are approved.

We encourage anyone we can to ‘like’ the Facebook Page for the club, located at www.facebook.com/demvets. This is public so no information that is specific to the membership and private to the operation of the club will be posted here.

Website Member SectionYou will be added to the email list for the club and we will send out the password for the member’s page of the website as it changes and if you are new to the club. We post the meeting information on there, so you will need this link in order to view the agenda, minutes, etc.

NewsletterMembers have the privilege and are encouraged to write articles for the newsletter and submit them to the 2nd Vice President. The Newsletter is published on a regular basis, as announced (Currently Quarterly) and is meant to build the membership up with regular accounting of what we have been doing together since the last issue.

Please contact the 2nd Vice President for ideas of what to write or with your idea for an article. Make sure you go to the main page of the website and click on the link to subscribe to the newsletter. Once signed up, we will email you one every time a new one is published.

MediaThe Executive Committee is the only authorized group to publish anything officially on the behalf of the club. It is in charge, along with the president, of the message of the club and the way that message is distributed. When the need for additionally members to participate on the spreading of our message is required, it will be solicited from the entire body or the specific members requested as the leadership of the club sees fit.

If you are at an official event as a club member, more likely than not, you will be trained ahead of time on who can say what and when to the press. If you have not been authorized by direction to speak to the press, please do not. It is unfortunately true too often how much the media can take words and distort them in a manner that reflects poorly on the member and/or the club. The best way to avoid this is to avoid speaking to the press beyond what you are instructed to say.

Name & Logo UseAgain, use of our name, nickname and/or logos beyond identifying yourself as one of our members requires prior permission from one of the Vice Presidents or the President.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIESOur members are involved! We lobby! We perform grassroots efforts! We vet candidates with our endorsement process! And we take action when there are Veterans going unrepresented or underrepresented!

We want you to be involved in this process as often as possible. This means we need you at meetings and events where we are working to accomplish our mission. It also means we need you to attend trainings when they are offered. We will gladly prepare you to fulfill your duties as a member of this club to the best of your ability if you give us the chance.

Here is a little bit of information on some of the political processes of the club:

EndorsementFor someone to be elected to office, they need support. And the way this is most often gained during their candidacy is through endorsements from people and organizations. Our club has created the ability, for the first time in Northern California, for a candidate for office to claim the direct endorsement of a Veterans Organization. This process, for those who have gained it, was not easy and will not be in the future. It is important for us to ensure that we are supporting the candidates for office who will do the most for our issues and us. In doing so, they will become the candidates who serve the Veterans of their constituencies the best.

Candidates who become endorsed by us have to go through our endorsement process. Here is that process:1. Candidates request a Questionnaire.2. Candidates fill out and return the questionnaire by the deadlines provided.3. Questionnaires are reviewed by the Executive Committee and are assigned a letter grade by each.4. The average grade is calculated and the Questionnaire is given a letter grade.5. The name is placed on a consent calendar or, if the race is contested, a date is set for the endorsement meeting to hear the race in question.6. The membership votes based on the endorsement meeting and a candidate is either endorsed or the club remains neutral.

Additionally, these rules must be followed:1. No candidate may be considered for a Club endorsement without having a filled-out questionnaire on file, nor shall endorsements be considered before the general club endorsement meeting except as otherwise provided for in these rules. Only candidates who are registered Democrats, and who disclosed a preference for the Democratic Party if running for a voter-nominated office, may be considered for an official Club endorsement.2. All announced Democratic candidates for an office under consideration for a Club endorsement shall be notified of the Club's intention to endorse in that race and shall be e-mailed a questionnaire upon demand. 3. The general club endorsement meeting shall be noticed by at least two weeks. The Executive Committee may make recommendations or ratings of any kind for any race. The membership shall consider each race in whatever manner it wishes. 4. Candidates will be asked to leave the room while the Club deliberates on their race. 5. Early endorsements may be given for friendly incumbents or for races involving candidates who are veterans at the Executive Committee. A "friendly incumbent" is an incumbent who has previously been endorsed by the Club for the office he/she is seeking and has a questionnaire on file. "Veteran" is anyone who has a DD214. 6. The general membership shall vote by unsigned ballot. The membership has the option of marking their choice of a candidate or marking "neutral". In order for an endorsement to be made, a candidate must have received a majority of the valid votes cast. If no candidate receives a majority of the valid votes cast then the result shall be "neutral".7. A Club endorsement shall remain in effect after a primary election if the endorsed candidate advances to the runoff. If the endorsed candidate does not proceed to the runoff, or if the Club had originally taken a neutral position, then the Club may again consider an endorsement for that race after the primary election.8. In races in which there is no Democratic candidate running the Club may consider rating a non-Democratic candidate in the race as "acceptable" if the Club finds that that non-Democratic candidate is the most acceptable alternative to the other non-Democratic candidates in that race and that that candidate shares the Club's values. A rating of "acceptable" is not an endorsement and does not authorize any candidate to use the logo, name, or other instruments of the Club on any campaign material.9. The Club can express its disapproval with a Democratic candidate by adopting a motion, taken by unsigned ballot, to rate a non-endorsed candidate as "unacceptable".10. Any and all ballots used for voting at an endorsement meeting held pursuant to these rules shall be kept in the custody of the Endorsement Committee Chairman and shall be destroyed 35 days after the vote, unless a recount is ordered by the President, Endorsement Committee Chairman, Executive Committee, or the general membership.11. The Club may take a “Yes” or “No” position on a ballot measure by adoption of a motion when there is no consent calendar, by adoption of a consent calendar position recommended by the Executive Committee, or by unsigned ballot vote after a measure is pulled from a consent calendar.12. In the event of a position opening for appointment, but not for election, these endorsement steps will be followed, as they would be for those seeking office through election. If the timeframe to make such an endorsement of a candidate for appointment shall be too short to exercise this entire process, the Executive Board will be given the ability to choose a process that fits the time they have for action and ultimately vote on the matter in lieu of the regular process. The Executive Board will then be required to report back to the membership on what was done and their justification for choosing whom they did.13. In the case of candidates for offices that are intra-party positions, that is any position that does not require filing through the Sacramento County Elections Office or the Secretary of State’s Office (Chair for DPSC, Caucus Chair for CDP, etc); the body of membership may be presented with information on the candidate/slate running and vote through a normal motion on these matters, individually. Intra-party office candidates are not required to go through the full endorsement process.

This process is both long and arduous for the candidate, but the end result is our support for their race for office. But it is through this vetting process that we will be able to ensure that candidates who are going to do the most for the veterans are the ones ending up in office or maintaining their offices. Just because we endorse a candidate once does not mean they will automatically be endorsed by us again. Incumbent candidates will have it even harder, as their records will be carefully evaluated to ensure that they have been good to the veterans in their districts.

Campaign ServicesOnce the club endorses a candidate, they are then referred to the Campaign Services Committee, where their needs are evaluated by the committee to find out which ones can be met by the club through donation or action on the club’s part. Some need both and members of the club should be prepared to work during campaign seasons for the candidates the club endorses.

Our different campaign services are:-Providing volunteers for precinct walking, phone banking and event support.-Providing an approved donation of our funds to the endorsed candidate.-Providing events that raise funds and/or name recognition for the endorsed candidate.-Providing assistance with the running of an endorsed candidate’s campaign through volunteers and staff as necessary/available.-Many other services as requested/possibility provides.

In order to wield an appropriate and necessary amount of political power, we need to work hard to build our endorsement into a powerful brand that all seeking office locally come after in order to ensure that the veterans turn out to help get them elected. Additionally, we will work to put more veterans into office this way and will see people who know what it is like to serve once again looking out for us.

LobbyingWe provide a service that many other veterans organizations cannot come close to without jeopardizing their own existence: We directly lobby members of the legislative bodies, both large and small for the different needs of the Veterans of the area they serve.

This is done by presenting ourselves before the different bodies in numbers necessary to convince them to vote in a particular direction. This may or may not include the presentation of testimony by some or all that attend the session. Prior to attending one of these different meetings, we will have taken a position as a club on the specific issue or issues to be discussed.

Grassroots OrganizingAnother service provided is the grassroots organizing of the community’s Veterans for or against different issues, bills, candidates, elected officials, etc. We serve to pull the different elements of the affairs of veterans together into a powerful and large group with a political purpose that serves the mission of the club and the specific mission of the group organized.

Additionally, we provide the training throughout the year to assist other groups in performing this same task and organizing their efforts into action. Alliances with other clubs and organizations that allow for the furthering of the club’s agenda are imperative to the success of our mission.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIESEach of the different events we hold throughout the year, despite the other functions that may be a part of the event (i.e. fundraising), are coordinated through our Social Committee. A brief definition of each event is provided next:

· The Regular Meeting (Monthly)o This is the manner in which the club conducts its most basic, functional role and carries out the business of the club in a proper format conducive to the club’s mission.

· Committee Meetings (Quarterly at Minimum)o Each sub-committee, the Executive Committee and the Committee Board is required to meet at least once per quarter, if not more often.

· Early Primary Endorsements (January & August of Election Years)o For those who are running for office and identified as either veterans of friendly incumbents, early endorsement is done in this month.

· The Annual State of the Club Address (February)o The president delivers this address to set the course and goals of the club for the coming year.

· The Platform Adoption (February of Election Years)o This is the every other year adoption of the club’s platform that will guide the club on its decisions for action in the next two years.

· General Primary Endorsements (March of Election Years)o This is when the rest of the endorsements for a primary election are held.

· Endorsed Candidate’s Fundraiser (April of Election Years)o This is an event where those endorsed by the club are promoted at a fundraiser to gain donations for their campaigns.

· General Election Endorsements (September of Election Years)o This is when endorsements are made for the general election.

· The Annual Election of Officers (November)o This is the annual election for the next term’s officers for the club.

· The Annual Officer Retreat (December)o This is the annual retreat for the outgoing and incoming officers to ensure a smooth transition between each other to provide for the continuity of the club.

· The Holiday Awards Mess (December)o This is a military style mess and allows the club to present annual awards to deserving recipients all while providing a fun atmosphere for all involved.

Other social opportunities will present themselves throughout the year and it will be up to the current Social Committee and the current membership to determine to what level, if any, the club will participate. Any member can recommend an event to the club for attendance or participation by the club members. The Social Committee Chairman will establish the process through which events are fairly prioritized and evaluated for decision.

RECRUITINGLike any club, the more members we have, the more we will be able to do for the community’s veterans. All members are encouraged to recruit their friends, family and fellow service members to participate in the club.

Remember to use some of the different tools available to you as you try to recruit persons into our membership. The Chairman of the Membership Committee will set the current recruiting program and will make available the tools that are needed to support that plan.

Additionally, the brochures, website and the meetings serve as the best sources for providing information that is up to date and describes how our club works and fulfills its mission.

In the end, the best thing is to talk about your personal experiences with the club and what you have been able to benefit from this club and how we have benefited from you being a part of us!

POLICIES & PROCEDURESWith the approval of the body of membership by majority vote, the President has the ability to supplement this handbook throughout the year with the publication of policies and/or procedures.

Each one must be submitted in writing to the membership prior to the meeting where the President desires it to be approved. Intended to supplement this handbook, such policies and procedures should be written in a manner where they may later become inserted into the next edition of this handbook.

Any member of the club may petition the president verbally or in writing to place a policy or procedure they feel is necessary for the benefit of the club and compliments this handbook.

Should a policy or procedure be necessary to revoke part of this handbook, it may also do so via approval by majority vote.